Rinat Valiev Takes Cooking Classes, Signs Entry Level Contract

It’s been a pretty big day for Rinat Valiev, the Leafs’ 2014 3rd round pick. First, he learned how to cook nutritious meals as part of Toronto’s prospect development camp. Then, he signed a three-year entry level contract.

Full disclosure: I don’t know if it all happened in that order.

A new contract doesn’t mean that Valiev is any closer to pro hockey, as it’s highly, highly unlikely that he cracks the Leafs roster, and much more likely he returns to the WHL’s Kootenay Ice for one more season. In a year’s time he’ll be eligible to join the AHL Marlies, and that ELC will kick in.